In this inspiring episode, entrepreneur, real estate developer and vocational education advocate Re'Shane L. Lonzo shares her powerful journey from growing up in Detroit to becoming a developer creating economic opportunity in her community. Becoming a mother at 14 pushed her to work harder and stay focused on building a better future for her family. As she reflects, “Detroit taught me how to navigate life,” and “My son became my reason to work harder.”

She graduated from Michigan State University, where her entrepreneurial mindset began to take shape. After initially working in corrections and surviving a workplace attack, she pivoted her career, earned her MBA, and began focusing on building opportunities for others. Re’Shane launched a vocational training school to help people gain practical skills and eventually expanded into real estate development. She is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and shares how the sisterhood has helped her grow professionally.

Today, Re'Shane is leading a $10 million real estate development project in Lansing, Michigan, focused on revitalizing the community through mixed use development that includes workforce training and supportive services. Her ventures also include The Comfort Zone Cigar Lounge & Bistro, a unique hospitality space that became the only cigar lounge of its kind within a 100 mile radius.

Her journey reminds us that when resilience meets opportunity and purpose leads the way, you’re ready to Prepare For Takeoff. ✈️

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction to the Journey

00:26 - Growing Up in Detroit

03:17 - Adversity and Resilience

06:56 - Navigating Education and Motherhood

10:22 - The Transition to College Life

13:38 - Early Career Choices and Entrepreneurship

17:04 - Building a Business from Scratch

20:44 - Giving Back to the Community

25:21 - Overcoming Challenges and Building Resilience

26:52 - The Impact of COVID-19 on Business and Community

30:00 - Real Estate Development and Community Revitalization

33:54 - Empowering Future Generations through Real Estate

42:11 - The Role of Sororities in Professional Growth

49:43 - Key Takeaways for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

52:06 - Prepare For Takeoff Closing

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Amy DuBois Barnett joins Prepare For Takeoff for an inspiring conversation about vision, reinvention and building a career at the highest levels of media and storytelling. A proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Barnett earned her undergraduate degree from Brown University and her master’s degree in creative writing from Columbia University. She made history as the first Black woman to lead a major mainstream consumer magazine in the United States as editor-in-chief of Teen People. She also served as editor-in-chief of Honey and Ebony, deputy editor at Harper’s Bazaar and later held senior leadership roles at TheGrio and BET Digital.

In this episode, Amy reflects on her journey from Chicago to the upper ranks of the media industry, navigating the pressure of representation, adapting to the shift from print to digital and the discipline required to sustain long term success. She also discusses the power of relationships, intentional energy and staying focused on purpose. Amy shares the story behind her debut novel If I Ruled the World and how it led to a television adaptation deal with Hulu, where she is developing the project alongside Oscar nominated filmmaker Lee Daniels. This conversation is filled with insight on creativity, leadership, reinvention, and pursuing your vision with clarity and confidence as you Prepare For Takeoff.

Chapters

00:00 - The Journey Begins: Amy's Early Life and Education

04:09 - Breaking into Media: Amy's Career Path

07:27 - The Pressure of Representation: Navigating the Magazine Industry

10:06 - Transitioning to Digital: Adapting to Industry Changes

12:22 - The Reality of Success: Hard Work and Intentionality

16:20 - The Importance of Relationships: Networking and Building Connections

19:57 - The Birth of a Novel: Amy's Writing Journey

22:28 - Looking Ahead: Future Projects and Aspirations

22:31 - The Journey to Authorship

27:38 - From Page to Screen: The TV Deal

31:56 - The Art of Pitching: Challenges and Strategies

34:37 - Naming the Novel: A Creative Process

39:48 - Preparing for Takeoff: Key Insights for Success

46:39 - Prepare For Takeoff Closing

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In this inspiring episode, Dinisha Mingo, Founder and CEO of Mingo Health Solutions and Founder and Executive Director of Solutions of Change, shares her journey from growing up in Las Vegas to becoming a mental health advocate, entrepreneur and licensed minister.

She reflects on being raised by her mother who was a functioning addict and caring for cousins who experienced severe childhood trauma and mental health challenges, which helped shape Dinisha's purpose. She discusses leaving Las Vegas after high school to attend college in Portland, Oregon and her current pursuit of a PhD at Fuller Theological Seminary.

Dinisha shares how these experiences led to the creation of her organizations and her mission to serve underserved communities through mental health support, while highlighting the role of faith, resilience and self-trust in her leadership.

This episode is a powerful conversation on growth and purpose that will leave you inspired and ready to Prepare For Takeoff.

00:00 - Intro

00:47 - Growing Up in Las Vegas

03:21 - Challenges of Inner City Life

06:06 - Navigating High School Experiences

08:46 - Cultural Shock in College

16:49 - Building Confidence and Resilience

19:40 - Experiences with Racism and Kindness

25:57 - Impact of Childhood on Professional Path

27:33 - The Journey to Mental Health Advocacy

27:33 - Founding Mingo Health Solutions

37:07 - Establishing Solutions of Change

39:13 - The Entrepreneurial Journey and Community Impact

42:27 - Overcoming Doubt and Embracing Purpose

50:15 - Pursuing Education and Spiritual Growth

56:39 - Preparing for Takeoff Key Takeaways

01:04:03 - Prepare For Takeoff Closing

The future of business is yours to shape. Sign up for a free Shopify trial by clicking our Prepare For Takeoff affiliate link ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://shopify.pxf.io/55LGnj⁠⁠.

Start recording like a pro with Riverside, click our Prepare For Takeoff affiliate link ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://riverside.sjv.io/jeVZYP⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get started.